How brain waves shape our experience of mindfulness – Part 1

Exploring the fascinating realm of brain waves and mindfulness, and their significance that can provide valuable insights into our cognitive processes and overall well-being. Understanding how different brain wave frequencies influence our mental states and behaviors is key to unlocking our full potential.

In this blog post, we delve deep into the realm of brain waves and their importance, shedding light on how techniques like meditation and shamanism can profoundly transform our lives by harnessing the power of these neural rhythms. Join us on this enlightening journey into the intricacies of brain waves and discover their transformative potential.

How do we feel energy?

Dwelling within the depths of existence, an ocean of subtle energies envelops us. With mindful awareness, we can attune ourselves to these forces and harness their power.

Civilizations of old comprehended this vast ocean of energy that surrounds us. To them, the stars and planets were sentient beings, engaged in constant communication. The trees, in their belief, acted as antennas through which natural subtle energies and information flowed from the Earth to the celestial bodies, and vice versa.

All forms of existence, animate or not, possess consciousness and serve as conduits for this primordial cosmic conversation. Indeed, matter itself, including our physical bodies, is but a congregation of this universal energy.

Recognizing the interplay between our thoughts and emotions and this living energy field enables us to become clear and unimpeded channels. As a result, the vital essence of the Earth and cosmos flows through us effortlessly, guiding our evolution as we awaken to new perspectives and unleash latent abilities within ourselves. Such abilities include heightened creativity, extrasensory perception, and the power to bring about profound physical healing.

Shamans, in their wisdom, adeptly sense, feel, and manipulate this energy, free from any distortion or obstruction.

They refer to this process as becoming a “hollow bone”, a vessel through which this cosmic energy flows unimpeded.

How do we interact and measure energy?

Energy is constantly flowing through us, encompassing a vast sea known as Qi in China or Prana in India, interacting with the electromagnetic spectrum and encompassing subtler energies that remain a mystery to Western science.

This nuanced force forms the basis of acupuncture, a practice that utilizes thin needles to unblock energy flow along meridians within the body. This vital force is also cultivated and directed outward by advanced martial artists, while the Hopis of the American Southwest refer to it as Kachina, an ethereal realm of energies that they interact with through rituals and ceremonies, harnessing its power to attract rain and bring healing and other benefits.

Across the African continent, the Dogon people recognize the channels by which energies flow through us as the Bayuali, projected from the Earth, and the Yenu, received from the cosmos. It is believed that as humans, it is our duty to become pure channels, facilitating the flow of cosmic energies without interference or obstruction.

In contrast to western medicine’s confined scope on electromagnetic energies, it does acknowledge the human body’s function as a two-way antenna.

Physicians utilize various tools like ECGs and EEGs to ascertain a patient’s vitality by gauging the electrical energy transmitted from the body. They are cognizant of the fact that our bodies constantly receive input from electromagnetic fields in our surroundings, orchestrating our circadian rhythms including our sleep and wake cycles. Recent scientific researches suggest that the spinal cord, housing cerebro-spinal fluid with conductive properties, serves as an inherent antenna. Furthermore, DNA functions as a fractal antenna, proficiently operating at diverse frequencies simultaneously.

As we delve into the cosmic conversation of energies, we can fine-tune our brainwaves to a specific frequency.

Shamans brainwaves during shamanic journeying

In the ancient Shamanic traditions, drums have been utilized to produce rhythmic vibrations, aiding the Shaman in aligning their mind with the living universal energy field. This altered state of consciousness allows the Shaman to interact with the non-physical world, channeling and transmitting subtle universal energies to facilitate healing for themselves and others.

Additionally, they receive communication from guides and ancestors in the form of vivid imagery, thoughts, words, and ideas.

EEG tests have been conducted to study this Shamanic tradition, which revealed that the subjects’ brainwave patterns slowed down into a theta state.

This state is achieved when the majority of brainwaves oscillate at a frequency of 4-8 cycles per second (4-8 Hz). Further research on regular meditators also showed that they enter this theta state during deep meditation.

Brain waves during buddhist meditation

Research conducted by Buddhist Monks in tandem with the Dalai Lama revealed that during periods of deep meditation, there was a notable surge in the production of high levels of Gamma Brainwaves. These brainwaves are commonly associated with mystical experiences and out-of-body experiences, or OOBEs.

The state of Gamma is closely linked to higher mental faculties, particularly perception and consciousness, and is often experienced during mystical or shamanic moments. Furthermore, it has been discovered that Gamma is attained during exceptionally deep meditative states, moments of profound insight, advanced levels of self-awareness, and periods of rigorous problem-solving.

The realm of gamma wave states delves further than alpha, serving as the breeding ground for mystical experiences, deep altered states of awareness, and mind-altering consciousness. This state is often accessed by shamans to instill powerful positive transformations within themselves and their surroundings.

These individuals who consistently practice meditation often report experiencing a heightened awareness of surrounding energies, sudden realizations, colorful visions, newfound abilities, and emotional and physical healing. They also note that the more frequently they meditate, the easier it becomes to access this altered state.

Brain waves during our everyday life

In Shamanism, the continuous flow of energy and information through the subtle universal field is a fundamental belief.

However, as mortals, we often find ourselves caught up in the higher frequency beta brainwave state (15-30 Hz), associated with alertness, logic, critical reasoning, and stress.

This diverts our attention from the more delicate energies and hinders their seamless passage through our physical beings.

It can be compared to a car radio stuck on the same station, unaware that we have the power to adjust the dial. Just as turning the dial to a new station on a radio enhances our listening experience, regular meditation can adjust our brainwaves to match the Earth’s natural frequency of approximately 8 Hz.

This heightened connection allows us to receive even more life force and information from the universe. At this frequency, we also transmit energy with the added benefit of constructive interference.

This scientific term describes the amplification of force or power that occurs when two waves of the same frequency converge. By harmonizing our brainwaves with the Earth’s natural frequency, our intentions are propelled with the strength of the planet, giving them immense power and direction.

Understanding brainwave frequencies

Brain waves are intricate patterns of electrical activity that originate in the brain. Within the brain’s vast network of billions of neurons, electrical signals are utilized to convey information.

By observing the synchronized firing of specific groups of neurons that communicate with other neuron groups, scientists have identified distinct patterns known as brain waves. These unique electrical patterns are correlated with various brain activities, as well as different levels of consciousness.

Concepts of measurement

The EEG (electroencephalograph), a device used to measure brainwaves, monitors different frequencies within the brain. By placing electrodes on specific areas of the scalp, it detects and records the brain’s electrical impulses. A frequency refers to the number of wave repetitions within one second, which can be compared to the frequency of channels on a radio. When certain frequencies are lacking, excessive, or difficult to access, our cognitive abilities can be impaired.

The original EEG is typically described in terms of frequency bands, including Gamma (greater than 30Hz), BETA (13-30Hz), ALPHA (8-12 Hz), THETA (4-8 Hz), and DELTA (less than 4 Hz).

For instance, our brain utilizes a frequency of 13Hz (high alpha or low beta) for “active” intelligence. Individuals with learning disabilities and attention difficulties often exhibit a deficiency in 13Hz activity in specific areas of the brain, affecting their ability to perform sequencing tasks and mathematical calculations with ease.

Brain wave frequencies

DELTA (0.1 to 3.5 Hz)

The lowest frequencies are known as delta waves, measuring less than 4 Hz. These waves are experienced during deep sleep and some abnormal brain processes. In infants up to one year old, delta waves are the dominant rhythm, and they can also be found in stages 3 and 4 of sleep. Delta waves typically have the highest amplitude and the slowest frequency of all brain waves. They are responsible for decreasing our awareness of the physical world and providing access to our unconscious mind. For peak performers, lowering delta waves is necessary to achieve heightened focus and performance.

However, individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) often have an increase in delta activity when trying to concentrate, hindering their ability to maintain attention. It can be likened to driving in 1st gear – not very effective in reaching your destination. Therefore, delta waves are considered the 1st gear of brain wave frequencies.

• Distribution: generally widespread or diffuse; may be bilateral.
• Subjective feeling states: deep, dreamless sleep, non-REM sleep, trance, unconscious.
• Associated tasks & behaviors: lethargic, still, inattentive.
• Physiological correlates: low arousal levels.
• Effects of training: can induce drowsiness, trance, and deep states of relaxation.

Stay tuned for Part 2

Thank you for joining me in exploring how brain waves shape our experience of mindfulness in this first part of my blog series. Understanding the power of brain waves can help us deepen our mindfulness practice and enhance our overall well-being.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we will dive deeper into this fascinating topic.

In the meantime, remember to read through my blog for more insightful content and resources.

Embrace the journey towards harmony and mindfulness as we continue to explore the profound connection between brain waves and mindfulness.

Always here, always yours,
KC The Greek Shaman